Church operations grants

HUD's CDBG program provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity. Religious organizations operating as subgrantees can use CDBG funds for community services and facility improvements that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Applications are submitted through your local or state CDBG grantee.

The USDA Community Facilities program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible facilities include churches and houses of worship that provide essential services to the community. Grant amounts are based on the median household income of the area served, with higher grants available in lower-income rural communities.

The PC(USA) 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement funds new worshiping communities through a graduated grant ladder: Seed grants of $10,000 in year one, Investment grants of $30,000 after 12 months, and Growth grants of $30,000 about 18 months later, plus health insurance and sabbatical support for leaders. Applications are reviewed roughly four times per year (2026 deadlines: January 27, April 28, June 30, September 1) and every application must be reviewed and signed by the community's local presbytery, which receives the funds.

Lilly Endowment's Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative supports efforts to strengthen the long-term financial health and sustainability of Christian congregations. Grants are awarded to national denominational organizations and theological schools that develop programs helping congregations diversify their income streams and build endowments. Individual congregations may apply through their denominational partners.

The Duke Endowment's Rural Church program supports rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina, per the founding indenture: congregations in communities of 1,500 or less (or USDA-designated rural census tracts) that appear on the Endowment's eligibility list. Projects must fit one of four priorities: pastoral leadership, reimagining church real estate, congregational capacity, or selected child-focused programs. Two-stage process with pre-application deadlines of May 10 and October 3 each year; full applications are by invitation.

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative, supported by the California Community Foundation and 19 other funders, invests in Los Angeles County nonprofits pursuing formal partnerships: mergers, joint programs, shared back-office operations, and asset transfers. Churches and faith-based 501(c)(3)s are eligible, and faith-based collaborations have received funding, but grants only support partnership restructuring between two or more organizations, not standalone church projects. Exploratory grants fund third-party consultants, with planning and implementation grants for collaborations that move forward. Applications are accepted year-round and considered first come, first served within each fiscal year.